Michael Wright (pictured), the president and head of programming at TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, is reportedly stepping down from his post after 12 years with Turner Broadcasting.

It is understood that Michael Wright (pictured), president and head of programming at TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, is stepping down from his post after 12 years with Turner Broadcasting.

Based in Los Angeles, Wright oversees all original programming for the networks, as well as managing original content for digital brands and scheduling programming for TBS and TNT. It is understood that he will be staying on at the company while the search for his replacement continues.

The exec played a significant role in securing unscripted shows such as Boston’s Finest and Cold Justice for TNT, and King of the Nerds and Deal With It for TBS.

Wright’s exit comes at a transitional time for the company, which saw the departure of Turner Entertainment Networks president Steve Koonin in April. The exec left the cable company after 14 years to become the CEO of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.

Earlier this week, multiple U.S. outlets reported that Turner Broadcasting offered voluntary buy-outs to more than 500 senior employees in a bid to reduce costs at its portfolio of channels. It is believed the buy-outs will be followed by lay-offs and additional cost-cutting measures.

After joining TNT in 2002, Wright was named senior VP of original programming for the network in 2004. His duties expanded to include TBS in 2005 and TCM in 2007, ultimately leading to the position of exec VP and head of programming for TNT, TBS and TCM in 2008. Wright assumed his present role in May 2012.

Prior to joining Turner, the exec was vice president of movies and miniseries for CBS Productions and CBS Entertainment.